Queensland regulates taxis and ride-sharing services

Posted on October 5, 2017

Comprehensive changes to the personalised transport industry came into effect on 1 October in Queensland, including a new chain of responsibility framework, more stringent safety requirements and an updated licensing framework.

Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports Mark Bailey said the changes were a key milestone in Stage 2 of the Queensland Government’s reforms to the industry.

“Since September last year, we have worked with industry to create a new, modern framework for how drivers, operators, licence holders, and booking entities deliver personalised transport services,” Mr Bailey said.

“This framework brings Queensland’s laws into the future and ensures safe, accessible and affordable personalised transport services in a time of technological change.

“Our reforms provide certainty for taxi, limousine and ride-booking operators while at the same time creating a framework that improves safety and creates choice for passengers.”

Mr Bailey said under the new framework, all personalised transport operators and booking entities were required to pass the same eligibility test and the Department of Transport and Main Roads had the power to cancel and suspend licences.

“This allows us to ensure all parties are fit and proper to provide services that are of the high standard that Queenslanders expect when using a taxi or ride-booking service,” he said.

“If operators, licence holders, drivers, or any parties in the industry fail to adhere to the new regulatory requirements, we will act swiftly to revoke licences or issue financial penalties as appropriate.

“While industry has been allowed time to comply with licencing and authorisation requirements, we are encouraging operators to apply early to ensure they are fully compliant by the deadline.”

From 1 October:

If you provide a booked hire service in a vehicle other than a taxi or limousine, you need to apply for a booked hire service licence.

If you arrange bookings for a booked hire service, (including pre-booked services in taxis, limousines or booked hire vehicles) you need to apply to become an authorised booking entity.

Improved signage requirements apply to booked hire vehicles.

New general safety duty requirements commence for all parties in the chain of responsibility to ensure the safety of taxi and booked hire services.

Electronic payment surcharges in taxis are capped at 5%.

A new class of compulsory third party insurance for booked hire and limousines applies.

Security cameras are required in all vehicles that meet a certain risk profile.

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